Temporary bulkhead

ABSTRACT

A temporary bulkhead for placement in a shipping container. The bulkhead may be formed from one or more panels constructed from a sheet-like member and a plurality of load-bearing members positioned on one side of the sheet-like member. The invention is also directed to a method of loading containers with flowable material which makes use of such a bulkhead.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The application is a continuation-in-part application ofPCT/AU2006/001383 filed Sep. 22, 2006, the entire contents of which areherein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a temporary bulkhead for placement in ashipping container and a method of loading such a container withflowable material which makes use of such a bulkhead.

2. Description of the Related Art

A shipping container typically has an interior space which is defined bya floor, two side walls, an end wall and a ceiling. The end of thecontainer opposite the end wall is open and can be closed by hingeddoors.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention seeks to provide a temporary bulkhead that can beplaced in the interior of the container for the purpose of assisting inthe process of loading flowable material into the container and theprocess of transporting flowable material in the container. The flowablematerial can be loaded into the interior space of the container behindthe bulkhead.

Accordingly, in a first aspect of the present invention there isprovided a temporary bulkhead for placement in the interior of ashipping container to prevent the escape of flowable material through anopening of the container, the bulkhead being formed by:

-   -   a panel having opposite edges for contacting internal surfaces        of the container, said panel comprising a sheet-like member and        a plurality of load-bearing members positioned on one side of        the sheet-like member and extending substantially across the        width of the sheet-like member for supporting the sheet-like        member against the load of flowable material.

In a preferred embodiment, the panel further includes sealing means ateach opposite edge for creating a seal between the panel and theinternal surfaces of the container when the opposite edges contact theinternal surfaces of the container. The sealing means may be formed of acompressible material. Hence, when the flowable material presses againstthe bulkhead, these portions are pressed against the internal surfacesof the container. As they are compressible, the portions can mouldaround any small irregularities in the internal surfaces to assist increating a seal.

In a preferred embodiment, the load-bearing members are each elongatemembers having opposite ends. The sealing means can be an integralextension of the sheet-like member which extends around each of theload-bearing members.

In an alternative embodiment, the sealing means are flap-like membersformed by a portion of the sheet-like member extending beyond the endsof each of the elongate members.

It is preferred to use one or more fastening means with the panel toassist in holding the panel in location in the container. Each fasteningmeans may be in the form of a clip, more preferably a ‘U’-shaped clip.

In a preferred embodiment, the load-bearing members are affixed to oneside of the sheet-like member. Alternatively, they can be not affixed,and in this embodiment the panel further comprises a locatingarrangement at each opposite edge for locating each of the load-bearingmembers in position on one side of the sheet-like member. Each locatingarrangement may have a plurality of openings for receiving an end ofeach load-bearing member to hold each load-bearing member in position.Each locating arrangement may comprise a series of flaps moveablebetween a supporting position and a non supporting position. In thesupporting position, each flap is adjacent an opening into which an endof a load-bearing member can be placed and the member is supported byone of the flaps. Each flap is moveable to the non supporting positionindependently of the other flaps. It is further preferred that eachlocating arrangement is integral with the sheet-like member. Eachlocating arrangement may be formed by folding over a portion of thesheet-like member at each of the opposite edges. Where a series of flapsis present, these too may be integral with the sheet-like member and maybe joined to a portion of the sheet-like member that is folded over.

The panel in these embodiments can be supplied in parts forself-assembly by the end user. Accordingly, in a second aspect, theinvention is directed to a sheet-like member for forming a panel for useas a temporary bulkhead for placement in the interior of a shippingcontainer to prevent the escape of flowable material through an openingin the container. The sheet-like member has opposite edges and portionsof each edge adapted to be folded over to form locating arrangements tohold a plurality of load-bearing members in place on one side of thesheet-like member. Each locating arrangement when folded, has aplurality of openings for receiving an end of a load-bearing member.

To form the panel, the end user takes the sheet-like member and foldsover the edge portions to form the locating arrangement. The user thentakes each load-bearing member and locates an end in one of the recessesin each locating arrangement.

Alternatively, the present invention is directed to a sheet-like memberfor forming a panel of a temporary bulkhead in the interior of ashipping container to prevent the escape of flowable material through anopening in the container, the sheet-like member having at each oppositeedge a portion adapted to be folded over and a series of flaps to form alocating arrangement, wherein when each portion is folded over, saidseries of flaps can be located in a supporting position in which eachflap is adjacent by an opening for receiving an end of a load-bearingmember and each load-bearing member can be supported by one of saidflaps, and a non supporting position, each flap being moveable betweenthe two positions independently of each other.

An advantage of the panel having a locating arrangement partly formedfrom a series of flaps which are moveable independently of one anotheris that the panel can be formed in-situ inside a container. The panel ofthis embodiment is formed by taking the sheet-like member and placing itin the desired position inside the container. Next the portions at eachend are folded over whilst maintaining the flaps in the non supportingposition. The lower most flaps are moved to the supporting position anda load-bearing member placed on these flaps. The flaps immediatelyadjacent the lower most flaps are then moved to the supporting positionand a second load-bearing member placed on them. These steps of theprocess are repeated to construct a panel having the desired number ofload-bearing members. If the ends of the panel extend into channelslocated on either side of the container, then forming the panel in-situin this way is more convenient then attempting to form the panel outsidethe container and then trying to properly fit the panel in the containeronce formed.

In a third aspect, the invention is directed to a method of loading aflowable material into an interior space of a shipping container throughan opening in the container, said method comprising the steps of:

-   -   locating a temporary bulkhead having any of the features as        described above in the container so that the panel of the        bulkhead extends a cross the opening and abuts internal surfaces        of each wall defining the opening; and    -   pouring the flowable material into the interior space of the        container.

In this method, one of the internal surfaces contacted by the panel maybe a closure member, such as a hinged door, which partially closes theopening. Hence, the panel is located so that it extends from the hingeddoor to an adjacent side wall of the container.

Where the internal surface abutted by the panel has a channel extendingdown its face, it is preferable to locate an edge of the panel in thechannel.

Where the panel has sealing means located at opposite edges of thepanel, the method comprises locating the panel so that each sealingmeans is in contact with an internal surface of the container.

It is also preferable to locate one or more fastening means in contactwith an edge of the panel and the wall of the internal surface abuttedby that edge, to assist in holding the panel in position. Where an edgeof the panel is in abutment with a closure member, such as a hingeddoor, the fastening means is preferably a ‘U’-shaped clip and is placedin contact with an edge of the closure member and the edge of the panel.

The temporary bulkhead of this invention may also be formed by two ormore panels. Accordingly, in a fourth aspect, the present invention isdirected to a temporary bulkhead for placement in the interior of ashipping container to prevent the escape of flowable material through anopening of the container, the temporary bulkhead formed by:

-   -   two or more panels, each panel comprising a sheet-like member        and a plurality of load-bearing members positioned one side of        each sheet-like member and extending substantially across the        width of the sheet-like member for supporting the sheet-like        member of the panel against the load of flowable material, said        panels being locatable in an operative load-bearing condition in        which each panel is in contact with an adjacent panel along        edges thereof and the broad plane of each panel is angled with        respect to the broad plane of the adjacent panel.

Preferably, at least one panel includes sealing means located at an edgeof said panel so that a seal can be created between that edge and aninternal surface of the container when the bulkhead is located in thecontainer and pressure is applied to the bulkhead by flowable materialwithin the container.

In one embodiment, each panel is separate and an edge of each panel isin abutment with an edge of an adjacent panel when the panels arelocated in the operative load-bearing condition. In this embodiment, itis also preferred if at least one panel comprises sealing means locatedat the edge of the panel in abutment with the adjacent panel forcreating a seal between the adjacent panels when in use in thecontainer.

In one embodiment, each sealing means is a portion of a sheet-likemember and is formed of a compressible material. Hence, when theflowable material presses against the bulkhead, these portions arepressed against the internal surfaces of the container or the ends ofadjacent panels. As they are compressible, the portions can deformaround any small irregularities in the internal surfaces of thecontainer or in the sides of the panels themselves, so as to assist increating a superior seal.

In a preferred embodiment, each sealing means is a flap-like memberformed by a portion of one of the sheet-like members. The flap-likemember may extend beyond the ends of each load-bearing member affixed tothe sheet-like members. Where the panels are separate, the flap-likemembers between adjacent panels can be overlapped.

In a further preferred embodiment, the panels are configured so thatwhen they are arranged in the operative load-bearing condition in theinterior of the container, the ends of the load-bearing members of eachpanel are in abutment with the ends of the load-bearing members of anadjacent panel.

In an alternative embodiment, each panel is hingedly connected to itsadjacent panel. The panels are moveable about the hinge connection fromthe load-bearing condition to a non load-bearing condition. In thelatter condition the load-bearing members of one panel are spaced apartfrom the load-bearing members of an adjacent panel. In this embodiment,it is further preferred if the sheet-like member of each panel isintegrally formed with the sheet-like member of an adjacent panel.

In both the first, second and fourth aspects as described above, thesheet-like members used to form the panels are preferably formed from alightweight material such as cardboard, plastic corrugated board, solidplastic sheet or fabric. More preferably, the sheet is formed fromcardboard. As cardboard is compressible, the sealing means is ideallyformed by integral portions of the cardboard sheet that are wrappedaround the ends of the load-bearing members or alternatively, extend toform the sealing flaps.

In these panels it is also preferred that, the load-bearing members areeach elongate members having opposing ends. Preferably the load-bearingmembers are formed from a timber-based material and may be timber boardsof pine, hard wood or other suitable timber. Alternatively, they may beformed from laminated paper, paper tubing, cardboard or plasticextrusion. If a high strength is required, each elongate member may beformed from metal such as steel.

The most preferred combination of materials for forming each panel iscardboard for a sheet-like member and timber for the load-bearingmembers. Such panels are especially lightweight and can be handled andinstalled in a container by one person. Such materials are alsoinexpensive and these materials can be recycled. The timber pieces maybe affixed to the cardboard, for example, by using staples or by gluing.

If the sheet-like member is formed from cardboard it is preferable ifthe lower most load-bearing member located on the side of the cardboardsheet is spaced away from the lower edge of the sheet. That way, whenthe panel is installed in the container, the panel can be presseddownwards so that the lower edge of the cardboard sheet is compressedand molds over any irregularities in the floor of the container. Thiscreates a seal along the lower edge of the cardboard sheet. Aparticularly good seal can be achieved in this manner if any fluting inthe cardboard sheet runs at 90° to the lower edge of the sheet and tothe floor of the container.

Alternatively, sealing means can be provided along the lower edge of thesheet-like member for forming a seal between the floor of the containedand the bulkhead when in use in the container. In one embodiment, thesealing means is one or more flap-like members formed by a portion ofthe sheet-like member which can be folded to lie substantially flat withthe floor of the container. The sealing flaps are located on the side ofthe bulkhead in contact with the flowable material so that the flowablematerial presses the sealing flaps against the floor of the container.

In a fifth aspect, the present invention is directed to a method ofloading a flowable material into an interior space of a shippingcontainer through an opening in the container, which method makes use ofthe temporary bulkhead as described above formed from an arrangement oftwo or more panels. Accordingly, this method comprises the steps of:

-   -   locating in the container a temporary bulkhead formed from two        or more panels having any of the features as described above so        that the two or more panels of the bulkhead extend across the        opening and are in contact with internal surfaces of each wall        defining the opening, the angle between adjacent panels on the        side of the bulkhead facing away from the interior of the        container being less than 180°; and    -   pouring the flowable material into the interior space of the        container.

Preferably, the arrangement is made up of two panels which form a‘V’-shape when located together in the interior of the container. Inthis embodiment, the panels are located such that the ‘V’ extends intothe interior of the container.

The shipping container can be provided with a vertical channel whichextends down each side of the container. The method preferable comprisesthe step of locating a side edge of the arrangement of panels in thesechannels of the opposing sides of the container.

It is also preferred to locate the arrangement of panels away from theopening of the container and any closure positioned adjacent theopening. This way, the bulkhead prevents contact between the flowablematerial and the closure.

Optionally, a fastening means may also be employed to assist in holdingthe panels in location in the container.

In a sixth embodiment, the present invention is directed to a temporarybulkhead for placement in the interior of a shipping container toprevent the escape of flowable material through an opening of thecontainer, the bulkhead being formed from:

-   -   a panel having opposite edges for contacting the internal        surfaces of the container, said panel comprising a sheet of        cardboard, a plurality of timber boards affixed to one side of        the cardboard sheet and extending substantially across the width        of the sheet for supporting the sheet-like member against the        load of flowable material, and sealing means located at the        opposite edges for creating a seal between the panel and the        internal surfaces of the container when the opposite edges        contact the internal surfaces of the container and pressure is        applied to the temporary bulkhead by flowable material within        the container.

Such a temporary bulkhead is lightweight and made of recyclablematerial.

In a preferred embodiment, the sealing means are integral extensions ofthe cardboard sheet which extend around the opposite ends of each timberboard. Alternatively, each sealing means is an integral extension of thecardboard sheet which forms a flap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

This invention shall now be described with reference to the figureswhich illustrate various preferred embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a front view of one embodiment of a panel for forming atemporary bulkhead of this invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of another embodiment of a panel for forming atemporary bulkhead of this invention.

FIG. 3 is an end view of a shipping container having located in it atemporary bulkhead according to one embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 4 is a partial cut-away view of a shipping container having locatedin it the temporary bulkhead as shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a top view of a shipping container of FIGS. 3 and 4 havinglocated in it the temporary bulkhead.

FIG. 5 a-c are views of the fastening means and the attachment of themeans to the edge of a door and a panel.

FIG. 6 is an end view of a shipping container having located in it atemporary bulkhead according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a partial cut-away view of a shipping container having locatedin it the temporary bulkhead of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a top view of a shipping container of FIGS. 6 and 7 havinglocated in it the temporary bulkhead.

FIG. 9 is a front view of another embodiment of panels for forming atemporary bulkhead of this invention. The panels are positioned innon-operative non load-bearing condition.

FIG. 10 shows the panels of FIG. 9 in an operative load-bearingcondition.

FIG. 11 illustrates a sheet-like member for forming a self-assemblypanel.

FIG. 12 illustrates the sheet-like member of FIG. 11, partiallyassembled with timber boards to form a panel.

FIG. 13 illustrates the self-assembly panel according to one embodiment.

FIG. 14 illustrates another embodiment of the self assembly panel.

FIG. 15 is a partially cut away view from above of the self assemblypanel of FIG. 14 in position in a container.

FIG. 16 is an end view of a container having fitted inside it the selfassembly panel of FIG. 14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a panel 1 in partially assembled form. The panel 1 isformed from a sheet of cardboard 2 and extending substantially acrossone face of the sheet between opposite edges thereof, are a plurality oftimber boards 3. These boards are treated with either heat or afumigation process, such as one using methyl bromide, in order to killany organisms present in the boards and thereby render them suitable foruse in the export of bulk commodities. The boards 3 can be stapled orglued to sheet 2. Extending beyond each end 3 a and 3 b of timber boards3 are sections of the sheet 2 which form flaps 5.

FIG. 2 shows panel 1 in FIG. 1 in complete assembled form. In FIG. 2,flaps 5 which extend beyond each end 3(a) and 3(b) of the timber boards3 are wrapped around these ends to form the sealing means 4.

FIG. 3 shows an end view of container 6. One end of container 6 has anopening and this can be closed by hinged doors 7(a) and 7(b). In theFigure, door 7(a) is closed. The panel 1 of FIG. 2 is located in theinterior of container 6 so that it extends across the opening andcontacts door 7(a) and an internal surface of side 6(a), so as to formtemporary bulkhead 10.

FIG. 4 is a view from the top of the container 6 with part of the roof6(b) cut-away, showing placement of panel 1 in the container 6 to formthe temporary bulkhead 10. As can be seen in the figure, an interiorspace in container 6 is defined by panel 1, door 7(a), sides 6(a) and6(c), roof 6(b) and floor 6(d). The panel 1 does not extend all the wayto the roof 6(b). This allows flowable material such as grain to be fedinto the interior space. The flowable material can be fed via a loadingconveyor or similar device positioned above panel 1.

FIG. 5 is a top view of container 6 and panel 1 of FIGS. 3 and 4. Panel1 is located so that end 1(b) is adjacent door 7(a) and end 1(a) islocated in vertical channel 6(e) in side 6(a). When a flowable materialis placed in the interior space of container 6, the material placespressure on the panel 1. Those parts of the sheet 2 which form a sealingmeans 4 are compressed against the door 7(a) and side 6(a) respectively.This assists in creating a seal at these locations, especially if thesurfaces of door 7(a) and side 6(a) which are contacted, are not smooth.A spring clip 8 is placed around an end of the door 7(a) and contactsend 1(b) of panel 1. The spring clip 8 extends behind that portion ofsheet 2 which is wrapped around end 1(b).

As can be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, the panel 1 keeps the flowable materialaway from door 7(b). Hence, door 7(b) can be opened and closed withoutdisturbing the contents of the container 6.

FIG. 5(a) shows a side view of spring clip 8. In FIG. 5(b), the springclip 8 is shown partially fitted around the post 7(c) of door 7(a) andflap portion 4(a) of sealing means 4. FIG. 5(c) shows the clip 8properly fitted to door 7(a) and panel 1.

FIG. 6 shows an end view of container 6 having bulkhead 10 extendingacross the opening. The bulkhead 10 of this embodiment is formed fromtwo separate panels 11, similar to the panels 1 illustrated in FIGS.1-5. In the figure the panels 11 are located in an operativeload-bearing condition illustrated in the figure. In this condition, theseparate panels are placed in an edge-to-edge abutting arrangement. Eachpanel 11 is formed from a sheet of cardboard 2 and to one side there areaffixed a plurality of timber boards 3. Greater detail of the panels 11are shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 7 is a view of a top of container 6 with part of the roof 6(b) cutaway to show bulkhead 10 installed in container 6. The bulkhead 10 ismade up of two separate panels 11 extending between opposing sides 6(a)and 6(c). Bulkhead 10 does not extend to the roof 6(b) of the container6. This allows the flowable material to be loaded into the interior ofthe container 6 via a conveyor or other loading device.

FIG. 8 shows further detail of the bulkhead 10 of FIGS. 6 and 7. The twoseparate panels 1 are placed in the container 6 in an edge-to-edgeabutting arrangement. The load-bearing members 3 of each panel 11 haveends 3(a) which are located in channels 6(e) in sides 6(c) and 6(a). Theload-bearing members 3 also have ends 3(b) which are brought intoabutment with each other. From the figure, it can be seen that thepanels 11 are arranged so as to form a ‘V’ extending towards theinterior of the container 6. Each panel is angled at around 12° to ahorizontal plane running across the figure. All of the ends 3(a) and3(b) of each load-bearing member 3 are angled so that they can bepositioned flush with the sides 6(c) and 6(a) of the container and withthe load-bearing members 3 of an adjacent panel 11 at the junction ofthe panels 11.

At each side edge a portion of the cardboard sheet 2 is not affixed toends 3(a) and 3(b) of each board 3 and also extends beyond the ends 3(a)and 3(b), thus forming flaps 5. Flaps 5 form sealing means 4. Flaps 5 atone edge of each panel 11 are in contact with the sides 6(c) or 6(a). Atthe junction of the panels 11, the flaps 5 of each panel 11 areoverlapped. The flaps 5 are formed of cardboard and are thereforecompressible in nature and compress against the surfaces they contactwhen a load of flowable material is placed against the bulkhead 10. Thishelps create a seal.

When an outward pressure is placed against the bulkhead 10 by theflowable material, the angled arrangement of the panels 11 helps resistthis outward force.

Each panel 11 shown in FIGS. 6-8 is identical. To form the bulkhead 10,one panel 11 is inverted and brought into contact with the adjacentpanel 11.

As can be seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, the bulkhead 10 is located away fromdoors 7(a) and 7(b). Thus, the doors can be opened and closed freelyafter the container 6 is filled.

FIG. 9 illustrates an arrangement of two panels 12 for forming abulkhead, the panels 12 being in partially assembled form. The twopanels 12 are each formed from a single cardboard sheet 2 and are thusjoined to each other about a hinge line 13. Extending substantiallyacross the width of each panel 12 are a plurality of timber boards 3. Aportion of sheet 2 extends beyond each end 3(a) of the timber boards 3to form flaps 5. These flaps can be wrapped around the ends of 3(a) toform the sealing means 4 (not shown). Other portions of sheet 2 extendbeyond the lower edges of panels 12 to form flaps 14. The panels 12illustrated in FIG. 9 are shown in a non-operative, non load-bearingcondition. In this condition, the panels are 12 are relatively flat andthe load-bearing members 3 of one panel 12 are spaced apart from theload-bearing member 3 of the adjacent panel 12. Adjacent panels 12 areflexible about the hinge line 13.

FIG. 10 illustrates the panels 12 of FIG. 9 arranged in the operativeload-bearing condition. In this condition the panels 12 are moved abouthinge line 13 so that the ends 3(b) of the load-bearing members 3 on onepanel 12 are brought into abutment with the ends 3(b) of load-bearingmembers 3 of the adjacent panel 12. As can be seen in the figure, flaps5 are wrapped around ends 3(a) of each load-bearing member to formsealing means 4. Flaps 14 are folded so that they are positioned atapproximately 90 degrees to the plane of each panel 12 to form the lowersealing means 15.

FIG. 11 illustrates a sheet-like member 16 for forming the self-assemblypanel. The sheet-like member 16 is formed of cardboard. Along each sideedge there are flaps 17 which can be folded over to form locatingarrangements 18. Positioned in the locating arrangements 18 are a seriesof openings 19 created by incisions in the flaps 17.

FIG. 12 illustrates a sheet-like member 16 which is partially assembledwith the timber boards 3 to form a panel. The locating arrangement 18 onthe right-hand side of the sheet-like member 16 is formed and the ends3(a) of boards 3 are located in each recess 19. The flap 17 on theleft-hand side is not yet folded over to form the locating arrangement18 on that side.

FIG. 13 shows a panel 20 formed from the sheet-like member 16 and boards3 illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11. As can be seen in the figure, thelocating arrangements 18 act to hold boards 3 in place. Along the loweredge of the sheet-like member 16 is an integral flap 21 which can foldout to a position approximately 90° to the face of the panel 20. Whenthe panel 20 is installed in a container and weight is placed againstit, downward pressure on the flap 21 creates a seal between the flap 21and the floor of the container.

The panel 20 shown in FIG. 12 can be supplied to the consumer in adisassembled state. Assembly is relatively easy, as stapling, gluing orother means of affixing are not required to form the panel 20.

FIG. 14 illustrates another version of a self assembly panel 22. Thepanel is formed from a single cardboard sheet 23. Each edge of thecardboard sheet 23 can be folded over to form locating arrangements 18.Each locating arrangement 18 is formed by a portion 24 of the sheet 22and a series of flaps 25 a-d. Each flap 25 a-d is moveable independentlyof an adjacent flap 25 a-d. The panel 22 is formed by folding over theportions 24 at each edge to the position shown in FIG. 14. The lowermost flaps 25 a are then moved from a non supporting position (notshown) where they extend in the same plane as the portions 24 to thesupporting position shown in FIG. 14. A load-bearing member 3, in thiscase a metal rod, is then placed on the lower most flaps 25 a and issupported by the flaps 25 a. The adjacent flaps 25 b are then moved intothe supporting position. An opening 19 is formed between adjacent flaps25 a and 25 b into which an end 3 a or 3 b of the elongate member 3extends. This process is repeated until each of flaps 25 c and 25 d arelocated in the supporting positions and all elongate members 3 are inplace. Panel 22 also has integral sealing flap 21.

FIG. 15 is partially cut away view from above of the panel 22 of FIG. 14in place in a container 6. The ends 3 a and 3 b of the elongate members3 extend into each channel 6 e of the container 6. The panel 22 extendsthe width of the opening of the container 6. It can be appreciated fromthe figure that if the panel 22 was formed outside of the container 6,then once formed it could not be fitted in the container in the positionshown in FIG. 15 with the ends 3 a and 3 b of the metal bars 3 extendinginto the channels 6 e without distorting the panel 22 or the sides 6 aand 6 c of the container 6 during the fitting process. By forming thepanel 22 in-situ in the container 6 in the manner described withreference to FIG. 14, this difficulty is overcome.

FIG. 16 is a view of the opening of the container 6 having fitted insideit the panel 22 of FIG. 14.

A number of advantages flow from constructing the bulkhead shown in thefigures. Firstly, they are lightweight and therefore easily handled andinstalled in a shipping container. Being lightweight, the bulkheads donot greatly reduce the weight of the load that can be placed in theshipping containers. The panels forming the bulkheads can be easilyconstructed and do not require welding. The form of the panels allowsthem to be made out of recyclable material such as cardboard and timber.A particular advantage of using cardboard is that the contents of theshipping container can be emptied by simply cutting a hole in thecardboard sheet of the panel to allow the flowable material to spillthrough the hole.

The above figures illustrate preferred embodiments on the invention. Itwill be understood by the skilled addressee in the art that variationsmay be made to these preferred embodiments without departing from thespirit or scope of the invention.

1. A temporary bulkhead for placement in the interior of a shippingcontainer to prevent the escape of flowable material through an openingof the container, the bulkhead being formed by: a panel having oppositeedges for contacting internal surfaces of the container, said panelcomprising a sheet-like member and a plurality of load-bearing memberspositioned on one side of the sheet-like member and extendingsubstantially across the width of the sheet-like member for supportingthe sheet-like member against the load of flowable material.
 2. Thebulkhead of claim 1 wherein each of the load-bearing members is anelongate member having opposite ends and the panel has sealing means ateach of the opposite edges for creating a seal between the panel and theinternal surfaces of the container when in use in the container, eachsealing means being formed by a portion of the sheet-like memberextending around the opposite ends of each load-bearing member.
 3. Thebulkhead of claim 1 wherein the panel comprises a locating arrangementat each of the opposite edges for locating each end of the load-bearingmembers in position.
 4. The bulkhead of claim 3 wherein each locatingarrangement has a plurability of openings and each end of theload-bearing members is located in an opening in order to locate eachload-bearing member in position.
 5. The bulkhead of claim 4 wherein eachlocating arrangement is integral with the sheet-like member and isformed by folding over of a portion of the sheet-like member at each ofthe opposite edges.
 6. The bulkhead of claim 4 wherein each locatingarrangement is integral with the sheet-like member and is formed by aportion of the sheet-like member which is folded over at each of theopposite edges and a series of flaps attached to each portion located ina supporting position in which each flap is adjacent one of saidopenings into which the end of one of said load-bearing members isreceived and supported by one of said flaps, each said flap also beinglocatable in a non supporting position, each said flap being moveableindependently of each other flap.
 7. The bulkhead of claim 4 wherein theentire sheet-like member is formed from cardboard and the load-bearingmembers are formed from a timber-based material.
 8. The combination of abulkhead of claim 2 and one or more separate fastening means forfastening the panel in place in the container.
 9. A temporary bulkheadfor placement in the interior of a shipping container to prevent theescape of flowable material through an opening of the container, thebulkhead being formed by a panel having opposite edges for contactinginternal surfaces of the container, said panel comprising a sheet-likemember and a plurality of load-bearing members positioned on one side ofthe sheet-like member and extending substantially across the width ofthe sheet-like member for supporting the sheet-like member against theload of flowable material, said panel comprising a locating arrangementat each of the opposite edges for locating each end of the load-bearingmembers in position, each locating arrangement comprising a series offlaps moveable between a supporting position in which each flap isadjacent an opening into which the end of one of said load-bearingmembers is received and supported by one of said flaps, and a nonsupporting position, each flap being moveable independently of eachother flap.
 10. A sheet-like member for forming a panel for use as atemporary bulkhead for placement in the interior of a shipping containerto prevent the escape of flowable material through an opening in thecontainer, the sheet-like member having opposite edges and portions ateach edge adapted to be folded over to form locating arrangements tolocate a plurality of load-bearing members in place on one side of thesheet-like member, each locating arrangement when folded, having aplurality of openings for receiving an end of a load-bearing member. 11.A sheet-like member for forming a panel of a temporary bulkhead in theinterior of a shipping container to prevent the escape of flowablematerial through an opening in the container, the sheet-like memberhaving at each opposite edge a portion adapted to be folded over and aseries of flaps to form a locating arrangement, wherein when eachportion is folded over, said series of flaps can be located in asupporting position in which each flap is adjacent an opening forreceiving an end of a load-bearing member and each load-bearing membercan be supported by one of said flaps, and a non supporting position,each flap being moveable between the two positions independently of eachother flap.
 12. A temporary bulkhead for placement in the interior of ashipping container to prevent the escape of flowable material through anopening of the container, the temporary bulkhead formed by: two or morepanels, each panel comprising a sheet-like member and a plurality ofload-bearing members positioned on one side of each sheet-like memberand extending substantially across the width of the sheet-like memberfor supporting the sheet-like member of the panel against the load offlowable material, said panels being locatable in an operativeload-bearing condition in which each panel is in contact with anadjacent panel along edges thereof and the broad plane of each panel isangled with respect to the broad plane of the adjacent panel.
 13. Thebulkhead of claim 12 wherein at least one panel comprising sealing meanslocated at an edge for creating a seal between said edge and an internalsurface of the container when in use in the container.
 14. The bulkheadof claim 12 wherein the panels are separate prior to location in theoperative load-bearing condition.
 15. The bulkhead of any claim 14wherein at least one panel comprises sealing means located at the edgeof the panel in contact with an adjacent panel for creating a sealbetween the adjacent panels when in use in the container.
 16. Thebulkhead of claim 15 wherein each sealing means is a flap-like memberformed by a portion of one of the sheet-like members.
 17. The bulkheadof claim 12 wherein each panel is hingedly connected to an adjacentpanel.
 18. The bulkhead of claim 17 wherein the sheet-like member ofeach panel is integrally formed with the sheet-like member of anadjacent panel.
 19. The bulkhead of claim 12 wherein the sheet-likemember of each panel is formed from cardboard and the load-bearingmembers are formed from a timber-based material.
 20. The bulkhead ofclaim 12 wherein the panels are configured so that in the operativeload-bearing condition, an end of each load-bearing member of each panelis located in abutment with an end of each load-bearing member of anadjacent panel.